Spirit of the Lord – Reflection on Luke 4:16-30
Not that long ago in my lifetime, stores were closed on Sundays so that people could have time to rest, practice their faith, be with friends and family, or serve those in need. Sabbath (Friday through Saturday evenings) likewise is a day of rest for my Jewish friends Can you imagine a Priest or Rabbi after a service being chased away instead of gladly greeting people leaving? In some ways, this is effectively happening for weekend Services. Among the reasons are youth sports events on Sunday mornings and open stores that need employees. The Lord has been chased away by worldliness. While fewer, it brings me joy to know some remain to attend services and continue the traditional afternoons. Since we are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, traditions may include praying for or serving the poor or those with physical and spiritual needs. Be it a family member, friend, or stranger, sometimes we need to focus on the needs of one or two, like Elijah for the widow at Zarephath and Elisha for Naaman.
Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue by James Tissot.
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 4:16-30 – Scripture*
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23 He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” 24 And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. 25 But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26 yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27 There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 4:16-30 Reflection – Spirit of the Lord
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 14 passage.
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This Lectio reflection of Luke 4:16-30 Reflection on Spirit of the Lord is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
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